Cold Atom group seminars:

Atom-based quantum technologies

The Midlands Ultracold Atom Research Centre (MUARC) currently holds a large
portfolio of activities geared toward the development quantum technologies based
on cold atoms.

The research in Birmingham has a particular focus on optical lattice systems,
which provide new interdisciplinary insights into important condensed matter
phenomena, for example superconductivity and quantum phase transitions.
In Nottingham, work is based largely on atom chips, which
offer the finest control over cold quantum gases and give rise to the
development of micro-laboratories.

We explore possibilities using quantum simulations, and promote further
developments towards quantum information at the interface between quantum
optics and cold atoms. An applied theme is the development of quantum
sensors for measurements of the highest precision.

Besides fundamental and applied research, MUARC engages in the
training of young researchers and knowledge transfer toward our industrial
partners.

Research projects

Quantum simulations

Quantum simulations aim at a better understanding of quantum natural processes
or systems. By engineering tunable atomic systems to have a behaviour similar to
complex quantum systems, quantum simulators will allow us to solve problems which
are otherwise intractable.

The central aim of the
2D simulator
is to uncover the key processes used by
nature to balance quantum and thermal effects in an optimized manner, with
the long term vision to create bio-inspired quantum technologies. Using ultracold
atoms in two-dimensional optical lattices, we will simulate and help
elucidate high efficiency energy transport in photo-pigment complexes.

The quantum magnet project explores a new pathway in the area of dipolar
quantum gases by focusing on magnetic interactions. Placing ultracold rubidium
atoms in a very low magnetic field environment, we can control long-range
interactions, with a view to study novel many-body effects, create
magnetic monopole excitations or perform quantum gate operations.

Quantum optics and information

Using the interaction between light and atoms, we can tailor the quantum
state of light to create squeezing or entanglement. This opens the door to
quantum information processing with light and optical measurement beyond the
shot noise limit.

The
ring cavity
project studies the quantum and nonlinear optics of cold
atoms in a high-finesse optical ring resonator. The collective strong
coupling between atoms and light is of interest for fundamental physics
studies and future applications in sensing and metrology.

Quantum sensors

MUARC is heavily involved in the development of the next generation of quantum
sensors. After decades of fundamental research, atom interferometry has matured to
the point where we can envision practical applications. With our partners, we are
developing new robust and portable atom-interferometric devices which can be taken
out of the lab.
From testing fundamental theories in microgravity to discovering what lies under
Stonehenge, our research
brings cold-atom technology to real-life scenarios.

iSense
is a European project coordinated by Birmingham. It aims to develop a technology
platform for integrated cold-atom sensors. It includes the development of a
demonstrator, a portable gravimeter capable of producing an absolute
measurement of g in the field.

GGtop
aims at a mobile atom-interferometer-based gradient sensor as well as
a noise and terrain model, including visualisation software, that is precise
enough to detect objects such as buried chests or water pockets. Future uses
might include oil and mineral exploration, climate research, or monitoring
of carbon-capture.

MatterWave
is a European project developing novel atom-trap concepts in order
to use atom interferometry with quantum degenerate gases for rotation sensing.
Birmingham leads the miniaturisation and the integration of key components
such as the laser system and the vacuum chamber.

The
clock project
aims to build a mobile Strontium optical clock. Ultimately this
machine will feature the latest innovations in metrology, such as optical
interrogation, optical trapping at the magic wavelength and
optical-to-radiofrequency bridging by frequency comb, all in a package allowing
the clock to be transported from lab to lab.

Cold atoms in space. MUARC contributes to a number of European
programmes aiming to develop the use of cold atoms in microgravity. In
SOC II,
we are building a space atomic clock prototype, while the goal of
QUANTUS is
to realise atom interferometry in space with degenerate quantum gases. Finally,
we represent the UK in STE-QUEST, the ESA candidate
mission designed to answer
fundamental questions with atom quantum sensors in space.

Training

We are training the next generation of quantum scientists. Through a number of
European Initial Training Networks (ITN), we are preparing our students and young
researchers to tomorrow's jobs in academia and in the industry. Our trainees
get a diverse research experience both working on our projects and with our
European academic and industrial partners.

The ITN QTea
project, managed by Nottingham, is aimed at preparing a cohort of
young
researchers for the emerging challenges in quantum technology development
and applications across academia and the industry.
The scientific scope of the network focuses
on the physics of modern quantum sensors based on precision measurements of
inertial forces, electromagnetic fields, and time.

FACT (Future Atomic Clock Technology) is an ITN coordinated by Birmingham
which trains a cohort of PhD students to become experts in
frequency standards. The project covers the latest in optical clock
technology and integrated devices.

Knowledge transfer

Besides our many academic collaborators, institutional and industrial partners
participates in our projects and training networks. They help us train our
young researchers, develop technological solutions to our most difficult problems,
and translate our ideas to real-life applications.